We recently had the opportunity to catch up with Lisa Mae Brunson, who joins us for 28 Days of Kindness from the coastal shores of Long Beach, CA. This week, Lisa Mae was featured in the Huffington Post article, "What I Have Learned from Hugging 7000 People." Oh yes, you read that right. No need to adjust your eyes. Here's what Lisa Mae had to say about her participation in 28 Days of Kindness, as well as an intro to her article.

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Why are you joining 28 Days of Kindness?I am participating in 28 days of kindness because I believe in the power of performing in act of grace and I live my life in such a way that I can be a blessing for others. This project provides the perfect opportunity to fulfill that legacy. An act of grace, not in. :)

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What kind deed are you most looking forward to for this month?My one good deed I'm looking forward to performing this month is providing some sort of spiritual healing and awareness for an individual who may need it and that their lives may be shifted as a result.

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What's the lead in for your article?I began my "hugging journey" in 2007. I was on the phone with my mother when she made a startling confession that she had not been hugged in months. I sat three states away, listening to her cry as she revealed how much she craved human touch. The next day, I spoke with a friend who was suicidal. She too, revealed that she had not been hugged in months. She was convinced that it was better to die than to live without the physical validation of love. Sensing her desperation, I drove 12 hours to give her a hug. As we stood folded in each other's arms, I could feel all the love return back into her body. I could feel this overwhelming rush of healing energy flow between us and restore her faith in humanity. She was loved, and she was ready to live again.

I was in awe. This simple act of kindness had the ability to restore life. How many others out there craved love in the form of a hug? How many longed for the touch of another, yet were denied this act of grace? .....

This note comes from Saidie MacDonald, one of the Day Makers participating in our virtual global event:

[It] took me a few days to understand why I wished to be a part of this happening. Got it this morning..If every morning upon waking I asked myself what act of kindness to others does the Universe have in store for me today? I then let the experience present itself how ever it may and when I act upon the opportunity then I have set in place a change in my consciousness. I f I continue doing this for the month then this kindness towards others will have become a normal waking thought pattern & acting out each opportunity would create a domino effect since this is the way of the Universe. If in fact the 100 th. monkey philosophy is reality, then..YEAH! Consciousness everywhere heightened to a higher vibration. How is that for a ground hog day epiphany?

You've got a full cart and they have a couple of items. Go ahead, let them in front of you. This simple act of kindness helps that person get through line quickly, and leaves you both with a smile on your face.

Because how often do we stick with our original crew when it comes time for lunch? Step outside of your comfort zone. Sit with a new person at lunch today, or ask them to join you if you're going out for lunch. You're guaranteed to learn something new and you may make a new friend too.

This story was shared by Amy Hollomon, in our global virtual event. It's such a good read, we're posting the first part here with the link tot he full story:

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One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, “Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd.”

I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on. As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him.He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes. My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him and as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, “Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives.”

He looked at me and said, “Hey thanks!” There was a big smile on his face...

Kindness doesn't always mean you have to come out of your pocket. There are some very simple acts of kindness that you can do, at no cost to you. Here are 5 to get you started:

1. Offer up your seat. You know what it's like to be in a crowded waiting room, or to have your arms full of bags and no where to sit on the bus. If you see this happening, offer up your seat. You're guaranteed to make all the difference in the world to the right person.

2. Give a genuine "hello" and "how are you?" to the doorman. Maybe you see him/her everyday, or maybe you just met because it's a new building you're walking into. Either way, a kind greeting and a smile can go a long way.

3. Pay a compliment. It's almost too easy and it can go a really long way. "I really love those glasses!" "You did a great job on that report yesterday." "You're awesome, just had to let you know." Get the picture! So easy, and quite the day maker!

4. Let a friend know what they mean to you. So easy! "I really appreciate you, I'm so glad we're friends :)." Who wouldn't smile at that and feel amazing after hearing that. I think we need to hear this more often from those whom we love the most.

5. Hold a door. Hold an elevator. Do it on purpose. You see someone a few feet away out of the corner of your eye, be mindful and walk through the door slowly to give them time to catch up, then hold it for them. Door holding is almost a lost art, but it's always appreciated when it happens.

I was wondering around city streets in search of a cup of coffee on a late foggy Saturday morning. I stopped in what I thought was a tea house but later discovered I was mistaken. It looked fancy enough to perhaps have to do with weddings or some other kind of formal celebrations. I was quite underdressed in my jeans and casually stylish scarf. I only stayed long enough to confirm for onlookers that I didn't walk in there by mistake (although I most certainly did!).

Before walking in to this fancy establishment, I noticed an elderly man with a briefcase trying to get out. So I held the door open for him and his wife who followed. "Well, you don't see that everyday," he smiled, "a nice young lady holding the door for an old man like me." I did a double take, "Old man? I don't see any old men around here!"

He and his wife chucked. As they were leaving, his wife turned to me and said "that's the best compliment we've heard today. Thank you." We both shared a smile. On that sweet note we parted ways and I continued my search for a coffee.

welcome to our lovely blog

This is where we are sharing great tips on easy acts of kindness to get you started with our month long virtual events. We'll also be sharing inspirational quotes and motivational stories of other unique kindness acts to keep you smiling and wanting to share the love.

We think you're awesome for being here, and look forward to hearing about the good you're doing in the world

We love sharing! If you share any of our blog posts, articles, quotes or ideas, please provide a link back to 28 Days of Kindness.This site and it's contents are copyright 2017 by Points North Design Studio. All rights reserved.

28 Days of Kindness

A site detailing the 28 Days of Kindness project, which takes plce in December, and encourages random acts of kindness across the globe for 28 days.